Swalwell suspends campaign
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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced yesterday he is suspending his campaign for governor amid allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct, which he denies.
Why it matters: Swalwell was one of the Democratic frontrunners in the race. His exit is a colossal shakeup of what has already been one of the most volatile gubernatorial races in recent memory.
What they're saying: "I am suspending my campaign for Governor," Swalwell wrote in a post on X.
- "To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that's my fight, not a campaign's."
Top Democrats were already calling for Swalwell to leave the governor's race after multiple women, including a former staffer, accused him of rape, sexual assault and sexual misconduct, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN on Friday.
- Swalwell is also under investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
- He denied the allegations in a video posted Friday.
Swalwell was among the frontrunners in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom and lost all 21 endorsements he had from fellow Democratic members of Congress by Saturday.
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) both called for Swalwell, who represents the East Bay, to end his campaign in recent days.
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), who chaired Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, resigned.
- Multiple California state legislators and powerful labor unions also retracted their support.
Between the lines: Swalwell has offered no indication he plans to give up his House seat, amid calls from colleagues in both parties for him to resign.
- "Good first step. Now resign from Congress or face expulsion," Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) wrote in response to Swalwell's post announcing his campaign suspension.
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has said she plans to force a vote to expel Swalwell when the House returns to session this week, though that would require a two-thirds majority.